Road Map Generation Using Missing-Feature Guided Re-Recording

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing map data generation methods are costly due to the use of high-end equipment and suffer from incomplete data capture with lower-end cameras, leading to missing crucial features for accurate map generation.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses lower-cost cameras to collect 2D training images, constructs 3D maps, identifies potential missing features, and selectively targets areas for re-recording or high-end equipment to ensure comprehensive coverage, integrating neural networks for feature likelihood determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional expensive specialized equipment with elevated cameras is used, then map data completeness is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap data completenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive specialized equipment with lower-cost cameras that can be deployed on multiple vehicles. Instead of using a few high-end cameras, the system uses many inexpensive cameras to achieve the same data collection goal, reducing the cost per kilometer significantly while maintaining map data completeness through aggregated data from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines data from multiple low-cost cameras mounted on different vehicles to achieve the same mapping quality that would require a single expensive elevated camera system. By merging images from multiple vehicles passing through the same area, the system recovers complete map features that any single low-angle camera might miss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If lower-end cameras are used to reduce cost, then cost decreases, but map feature detection accuracy deteriorates due to missing features

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidmap feature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system identifies map features that are missing or incomplete from initial image processing, then selectively triggers re-recording missions in those specific areas. This feedback loop ensures that critical map features are captured accurately by sending vehicles back to re-image areas where features were missed, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring all areas to be re-recorded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification of missing map features before triggering re-recording missions. By analyzing initial images to detect which map features are absent or incomplete, the system can pre-plan targeted re-recording routes to specifically capture the missing features, rather than re-recording entire areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the same road is covered multiple times with lower-cost cameras, then cost per km decreases, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost per kmVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between areas that require re-recording and areas that have sufficient data. Instead of uniformly re-recording all areas multiple times, the system identifies specific local regions where map features are missing and targets only those areas for re-recording, thereby reducing overall time consumption while maintaining cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify which specific road segments and features require re-recording before dispatching vehicles. This pre-planning allows the system to optimize re-recording routes and avoid unnecessary revisits to areas that already have sufficient map data, reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4363800B1Server and method for generating road map data
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 GRABTAXI HOLDINGS PTE LTD
  • EP4363800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4363800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4363800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system configured for managing orders is disclosed. The system may include one or more processor(s) which may collect first 2D training image data; collect second 2D training image data; construct a 3D map for the geographical area based on the first training image data and the second training image data; determine a likelihood of a potential missing feature in the 3D map based on the first 2D training image data and the second 2D training image data; collect third 2D training image data comprising third map images of the geographical area acquired by the one or more image acquisition apparatus if the likelihood of the potential missing feature is above a predetermined threshold; and generate the road map based on the first 2D training image data, the second 2D training image data and the third 2D training image data.